I work in rescue and recently got a foster, American Bulldog/Boxer mix who is VERY pregnant. When I took her to the vet he took x-rays and said she was only 45 days along, that was on 8/1. I am not sure how accurate that is but I can express milk from her for the past week and her temp is ranging from 99.4 to 100.5. She has clear discharge on and off and seems uncomfortable. I can feel the puppies moving around ALOT. I don't know how you guys do it, I am a nervous wreck and haven't left the house or her side since I brought her home. This is my first experience with whelping, I have read everything there is to read on the subject and know all the signs to look for, I was just wondering if anyone knew if x-rays are an accurate determination of how far along she is. Thanks in advance, Liz

Liz, dont know how much help I am going to be able to be, only once had a bitch X-rayed, and that was a late whelping to determine if 1 or 2 pups. However, once her temperature has dropped (as it has) I would expect it to rise again and pups labour to commence within 24 hours. Unfortunatley, not ALL bitches conform to the norm, and 1 of mine drops and raises temp. every day for about 5 days before whelping, and then proceeds to whelp normally.

What other signs is she giving? Has she started digging, nesting, tearing bedding/papers? If I am doing my sums right she is now 54 days according to the vet? This would give her 9 days to go, the earliest I have had a normal whelping was 7 days (all pups perfect). The fact the pups are lively is a good sign everything is OK. I dont usualy find that milk comes through this early though., and it does look like she could be further along than the vet estimated. I think the chances are everything will go fine, and she is just restless with a slightly abnormal temp. pattern, but I always feel you cant be too careful in these situations, and as it is first time for you (and possibly her) another visit to the vet would be in order. Sorry this is all a bit waffling and indefinite, want to give reassurance and not panic you, lots of the signs are good, but you both need a bit extra info and advice.
Gwen

Thanks for the info. She is not nesting in her whelping box much, once in a while she goes in there and moves things a little and gets out. She usually won't go in there unless I am with her, except yeasterday and last night she slept in it quite a bit. She did try to dig a hole in my couch though. I think she wants to have them outside, when I take her to potty lately she tries to roam into the woods.
I have an appointment with the vet on Thursday 8/15. I don't think she will make it till then but I called them and told them what I thought they said not to worry. So, wait and see is what I guess I am in for. I hope she will have them soon because I feel so sorry for her. She just looks at me like she is miserable, the poor thing.
I will keep you posted as to how things progress. Again, thanks for the post.
Liz